From preliminary survey, exploration, development to marketing and sales, people with various jobs cooperate to realize our mission- supplying stable energy. Here, we will introduce the jobs at JAPEX.
In order to drill the right spot for oil and gas, we must first evaluate the area using literature and purchased documentation. Then, we need to find a place with the right geographical condition and gain mining rights. When drilling abroad, we must also do research on the political and economic situation of the country concerned, as well as negotiate and bid for prospects.
The first step in the exploration for oil and gas starts with the field geological survey. After careful observation of aerial photos and remote sensing, we take ourselves to the field and survey the actual geological condition.
At the same time, geophysical prospecting is carried out- mostly by seismic surveying. This is done by creating artificial vibrations either on land or on sea, and then studying the reflected waves that have bounced off the sub-surface formations to understand its depth and shape. Other methods of geophysical prospecting include gravity survey and magnetic survey.
Data from field geological surveys and geophysical prospecting are analyzed using computers. Exploration wells are drilled into promising prospects to see the potential deposits of oil and gas. If the results are positive, we drill appraisal wells in the surrounding areas to confirm the formation and size of the oil and gas reservoir.
If the existence of oil and natural gas is confirmed in the exploration stage, evaluation of the oil and gas reservoir takes place. Reserves are calculated using the reservoir simulation model and hence, the economics are evaluated. If the drilling seems to be economically viable, we establish a development plan and drill a production well. After the construction of processing, storage, and transportation facilities, production can commence.
Production starts with the separator, where oil and natural gas are separated from one another. Oil is stored in tanks and delivered by tank trucks. As natural gas consumption changes along with the passing of the seasons and time of day, delivery is made while maintaining demand-supply balance.
Domestically produced oil is transported by pipeline and oil tanker, and sold to refineries and power companies. On the other hand, oil produced by JAPEX’s overseas projects is sold to trading houses and other oil companies.
Natural gas is sold to city gas companies, power companies and industrial users via pipeline network and LNG satellite supply system. These buyers use gas mainly for city gas, power generators and boiler fuel in factories.
As of today, JAPEX’s oil and natural gas pipelines span about 800km. To supply areas where pipelines are not yet built, we transport LNG by tank trucks and train containers.
The main objective for the departments of overseas business development is to develop new projects and operate existing ones. When starting a new project, negotiations with oil producing countries are necessary. As technical insight is also required, cooperation with the G&G staff and Engineering staff is important.
The main job for G&G (Geology & Geophysics) is to get a picture of the underground and discover new oil and gas fields. Geologists in particular conduct field geological surveys, examine preexisting well data, interpret seismic data from the Geophysical Department, and give propositions on where to drill. Also, they are involved in the actual drilling operation by constantly checking the geological information from the well.
In the Geophysics Department, data is obtained and analyzed by seismic surveys. The process is mainly undertaken by JGI, our group company. JGI has various contracts (including those not directly related to Engineering, such as earthquake disaster prevention project) with JAPEX, other Engineering companies, the Japanese government, and other organizations.
The Drilling Department is responsible for drilling the well. If a promising prospect is found, the drilling engineers get to the site, whether domestic or overseas, and start the drilling process. They are also responsible for the cost and schedule control, as well as equipment procurement. The drilling cost of a single well can cost up to billions of yen, and the longer it takes for completion, the more expensive it will be. That is why drilling engineers are expected to drill fast and accurate, while paying attention to safety and economic viability.
A lot of equipment and services are needed when we look for oil and gas. That is where the Procurement Department comes in. Everything from hiring contractors and controlling logistics to getting hold of pipelines, the procurement staff are involved in all of the up-, mid- and downstream businesses. They are required to have a good understanding of what each department needs, and find the best supplier. They need to negotiate so that the due date, price and specification are met. The procurement staff are true experts on drilling equipment, as they gain a lot of experience actually working there.
Reservoir engineers discuss how they can exploit oil and gas most efficiently, and come up with a production plan. First, they develop a reservoir simulation model, taking into consideration the latest G&G and production data. Then, they evaluate the reserves based on that information, come up with a way they can best exploit the oil resources, and make a prediction of future production. By gaining accurate knowledge of the oil and gas fields, and implementing the optimum production plan, JAPEX can maximize profit.
In the Facility Department, the designing and construction of processing facilities takes place. As components of the oil and gas vary according to the area produced, the best processing method is carefully designed. Then, actual construction begins. They work with contractors, so it is important to be able to comprehensively manage the whole construction work. In order to cooperate with the contractors, who are highly skilled professionals, it is crucial that JAPEX’s facility engineers have a deep understanding of their expertise.
The production engineers undergo the daily operation of the oil and gas fields. Their goal is to improve the recovery rate as much as possible with information from the Reservoir Department. Although customers’ demand tends to fluctuate with the passing of the seasons, the Production Department aims to meet that demand while maintaining steady production. The fact they have to consider customers’ needs makes this department work closely with the Marketing and Sales Department.
The Marketing and Sales Department sells oil and gas, mainly to city gas companies, power companies and large industrial users. While stable supply is important, it is also important to constantly keep a watchful eye over the international situation and the energy market. The staff make proposals to customers, negotiate prices, and make contractual documents and sales estimates. They also gather information that could potentially lead to new demand.
JAPEX’s Research Center is located in Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture. It is the very core of our technological strength. Research on IOR (Improved Oil Recovery), shale gas/oil, CCS, geothermal power generation takes place here. When drilling takes place, the Research Center conducts tests on the samples and hands the test results over to the Operations Department.
Of the other corporate departments, there are possibilities that a new employee may be assigned to Administration Department, HR Department, and Finance & Accounting Department. There are other departments, such as Secretary Office, Auditing Department, Corporate Strategy Department, Media & Investor Relations Department and so on. These departments enable JAPEX to do business smoothly.
*The jobs mentioned above are examples.